INNOVATION IN THE PROCESSING OF TONNAGE MATERIALS - EXAMPLES FROM THESTEEL AND ALUMINUM INDUSTRIES

Two developments in the processing of the tonnage metals steel and alu minium are described. In one case, the introduction of a new steel gra de enabling elimination of some of the expensive manufacturing steps c urrently employed is making significant savings in the production of f orged automotive components. In the other case, the twin roll casting process for the production of aluminium sheet has been extended to hig her speeds and thinner gauges, resulting in higher productivities. Som e of the reasons permitting these developments are introduced and disc ussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.